St. Mark's Square (Trg svetog Marka) is the heart and soul of Zagreb's Upper Town. It was named in honor of Venice's patron saint , as many Venetian builders and stone masons moved to Zagreb in the Middle Ages to help build its fortification walls. Since Zagreb became a free royal town in 1242, St. Mark's Square has been the place where everything happened: it was an open market twice a week, a place where public proclamations were made, a place where a pillory stood, a place of worship and, as the ban's (viceroy's) headquarters, a place of power.
The latter two still hold until today: the beautiful Romanesque-Gothic St. Mark's church dominates the square; with its famous colorful roof it is a famous landmark of Zagreb. Surrounding it, there is Banski dvori, the seat of Croatian government, on its west side; the seat of Croatian constitutional Court on its northern side; and the Croatian Parliament on its east side -- supposedly all three branches of power watching over and being watched over by the other two.
The first Zagreb printing house was also located here, as well as the first theater and the first radio station. The first grammar school and apothecary are just around the corner. Zagreb's most famous tower, Lotrščak, is in close proximity, visible from every part of the square.
This is one of my favorite spots in Zagreb because it's beautiful, it's quiet, and no other place in Zagreb holds so much of its rich history.
Trg Svetog Marka
€
free
Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
"Lake Jarun" has grown to become one of the greenest jewels in Zagreb. It's great to drop by the water for all kinds of sports & activities all-year-round.
by
"Savski Nasip" is one good thing the 1964 flood left Zagreb with; more and more people visit the Bank for jogging, relaxing... Nowadays it's full of life.
by
"Tunel Grič" in Zagreb was built during WWII. I don't like small, narrow spaces, but this tunnel doesn't make me uncomfortable, only curious...
by
"Točionica Vina Ilok" in Zagreb is one of my favorite shops to buy Croatian wines for different occasions. I also come here to stock up on sweets & rakija!
by
"Hendrick's Garden" Zagreb is truly the most unusual place and bar. It's a beautiful, hidden garden with a tree house. It's a little piece of green heaven!
by
"Stube Bartola Felbingera" Zagreb is a staircase that leads from Downtown to the Upper Town. Not many tourists come here, even though the views are great!
by
"OAZA Joyful Kitchen" in Zagreb is all vegan, not too expensive nor pretentious at all! A resturant that promotes sustainability in the center? Yes please!
by
"bio&bio cafe" in Zagreb offers organic and vegan coffee creations along with salty and sweet snacks to go. I love coming here after my dance classes...
by
"Taquitos Bandidos" in Zagreb has set the new standards for street food in the city. I definitely recommend trying their vegetarian quesadillas...
by
Dokukino has been bringing joy to cinephiles since 2009 when it opened in the space of KIC (Cultural and Information Centre). The cinema has only 70 seats, so the atmosphere is really homey.
by
The "Vrapčak Promenade" is one of my favorite places in Zagerb to take a break from work, escape from the noise and the ever-spreading city landscape...
by
135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 135 Insider Tips